Enhanced Control of Tomato Bacterial Wilt Using a Triple‐Responsive Nanopesticide with Self‐Supplying Reactive Oxygen Species

Abstract

Abstract Tomato production, a vital component of global horticulture, is threatened by bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum . To address this, a triple‐responsive nanoplatform (Ber@MON@CuO 2 @HPC) integrating berberine chloride (Ber), copper peroxide (CuO 2 ) nanoparticles, mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONs), and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) encapsulation is presented. Ber@MON@CuO 2 @HPC enables efficiently controlled release and self‐supply of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhancing antibacterial efficacy. The system demonstrates pH‐, glutathione‐, and cellulase‐responsive release, ensuring on‐demand delivery of berberine chloride with a loading capacity of 12.0%. HPC encapsulation significantly reduces the contact angle, improving foliar adhesion and retention. In vitro antibacterial assays reveal that despite an 88% reduction in the berberine chloride dosage, Ber@MON@CuO 2 @HPC achieves a 1.84‐fold increase in efficacy compared with that using free berberine chloride. Mechanistically, the nanoplatform induces ROS‐mediated bacterial membrane disruption, cytoplasmic leakage, and nucleoid degradation, accompanied by a significant downregulation of key R. solanacearum pathogenesis ( phcA, hrpB, pehC , and epsE )‐ and mobility ( filA )‐related genes. Greenhouse experiments further validate its effectiveness in reducing disease severity. Moreover, MON@CuO 2 @HPC exhibits excellent biocompatibility with no adverse effects on tomato plant growth. This study presents a sustainable nanopesticide strategy combining stimuli‐responsive controlled‐release and self‐supplying ROS antibacterial mechanisms, offering an effective approach for plant disease management while minimizing pesticide input.